Lions to host annual carnival

 By Deborah Rose

NEW MILFORD, Conn. — What’s better than a weekend of rides, food, and fun?

The New Milford Lions Club Carnival will return for the second year at its new location, the John Pettibone Community Center on Pickett District Road.

The popular family event will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, through Saturday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. each day.

The Town of New Milford is a sponsor, and i95 is the carnival’s media sponsor.

Trucks from R.W. Commerford & Sons of Goshen will provide the carnival rides.

Rides, games, carnival food, food trucks, ice cream and more will be offered in the south portion of the front parking lot at the JPCC.

Participating food trucks are Rice to Meat You, JK’s Pizza, Schlemdogs, and Jesse’s Ice Cream.

Some new offerings will be held at this year’s carnival — eight vendors, including Goat Boy Soaps, which will bring goats with them to their booth.

On Saturday, Large Dave from i95FM’s the Ethan, Lou, and Large Dave Morning Show will broadcast live from JPCC.

Matt Roache, president of the club, said the organization is “expecting a bigger crowd” than last year.

“The carnival is very important to the New Milford Lions Club,” he said. “We're trying to build the carnival bigger each year and add more for everyone.”

The carnival has been around for decades, initially presented by the former Jaycees in town. But the Lions took it over more than 20 years ago. It had been on hold since COVID but was revived last year at JPCC.

The event is the club’s biggest fundraiser that supports Lions programs, such as the club’s eyeglass recycling program, as well as community projects such as the town’s fuel bank, scholarships and senior citizen activities.

Ride tickets are $1.50 each; $18 for 12; $36 for 24; and $35 per unlimited race bracelet each night.

i95 will offer a giveaway at their booth, awarding four winners who will reach receive 36 ride tickets.